THE BOARD OF CONTROL FOR CRICKET IN INDIA

BCCI CODE OF CONDUCT

The BCCI is responsible for the governance of the sport of cricket in India and the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel (the 'Code of Conduct') is adopted and implemented as part of the BCCI's continuing efforts to maintain the public image, popularity and integrity of cricket by providing: (a) an effective means to deter any participant from conducting themselves improperly on and off the 'fieldof- play' or in a manner that is contrary to the 'spirit of cricket'; and (b)a robust disciplinary procedure pursuant to which all matters of improper conduct can be dealt with fairly, with ` certainty and in an expeditious manner.

Unless otherwise indicated, references to Articles and Appendices are to articles and appendices of the Code of Conduct. Words in italicised text in the Code of Conduct are defined terms and their definitions are set out in Appendix 1.

5. 1.1 All Players and Player Support Personnel are automatically bound by and required to comply with all of the provisions of the Code of Conduct. Accordingly, by their participation (in the case of a Player) or assistance in a Player's participation (in the case of a Player Support Personnel) in a Domestic Match, such Players or Player Support Personnel shall be deemed to have agreed:
   
   
6. 1.1.1 that it is their personal responsibility to familiarise themselves with all of the requirements of the Code of THE BOARD OF CONTROL FOR CRICKET IN INDIA BCCI CODE OF CONDUCT Conduct, including what conduct constitutes an offence under the Code of Conduct;


7. 1.1.2 to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any Match Referee, Disciplinary Committee or Appeal Panel convened under the Code of Conduct to hear and determine charges brought (and any appeals in relation thereto) pursuant to the Code of Conduct; and


8. 1.1.3 not to bring any proceedings in any court or other forum that are inconsistent with the foregoing submission to the jurisdiction of the Match Referee, Disciplinary Committee or Appeal Panel.


9. 1.2 All Players and Player Support Personnel shall continue to be bound by and required to comply with the Code of Conduct until he/she has not participated (in the case of a Player), or assisted a Player's participation (in the case of a Player Support Personnel) in a Domestic Match for a period of three (3) months and the BCCI shall continue to have jurisdiction over him/her under the Code of Conduct thereafter in respect of matters taking place prior to that point.


10. 1.3 Without prejudice to Articles 1.1 and 1.2, the BCCI and the State Cricket Association shall be responsible for promoting Code of Conduct awareness and education amongst all Players and Player Support Personnel.


11. 1.4 It is acknowledged that certain Players and Player Support Personnel may also be subject to other rules of State Cricket Associations that govern discipline and/or conduct, and that the same conduct of such Players and/ or Player Support Personnel may implicate not only the Code of Conduct but also such other rules that may apply. For the avoidance of any doubt, Players and Player Support Personnel acknowledge and agree that: (a) the Code of Conduct is not intended to limit the responsibilities of any Player or Player Support Personnel under such other rules; and (b) nothing in such other rules shall be capable of removing, superseding or amending in any way the jurisdiction of the Match Referee, Disciplinary Committee or Appeal Panel to determine matters properly arising pursuant to the Code of Conduct.


12. 1.5 For the avoidance of any doubt:
    
    1.5.1 all Umpires and Match Referees officiating in any Domestic Matches are automatically bound by and required to comply with all of the provisions of the BCCI Code of Conduct for Umpires and Referees; and
    
    1.5.2 where a representative side of a State Cricket Association participates in an Match against a domestic or invitational team, for the purposes of their participation in such Match:
    
    1.5.2.1 all Players and Player Support Personnel representing the State Cricket Association's representative side are automatically bound by, required to comply with, and shall submit themselves to the jurisdiction of this Code of Conduct; and
    
    1.5.2.2 all players or player support personnel representing the domestic (Zonal) or invitational (Corporate) team shall be bound by this Code of Conduct.
    

1. The conduct described in Articles 2.1 - 2.5, if committed by a Player or Player Support Personnel shall amount to an offence by such Player or Player Support Personnel under the Code of Conduct.


2. Comment: Where considered helpful, guidance notes have been provided in text boxes beneath the description of a particular offence. Such notes are intended only to provide guidance as to the nature and examples of certain conduct that might be prohibited by a particular Article and should not be read as an exhaustive or limiting list of conduct prohibited by such Article.


3. 2.1 Level 1 Offences:
   
   2.1.1 Breach of the BCCI's Clothing and Equipment Regulations during a Domestic Match, save for breaches relating to a 'Commercial Logo' or a 'Player's Bat Logo' as those terms are defined therein.

Note: One of the core objectives of the BCC's Clothing and Equipment Regulations is to ensure appropriate and professional standards of appearance on the field of play and to prevent those practices that undermine that objective (for example the cover up/alteration of clothing and equipment with sticking plaster or marker pens, the wearing of batting pads painted with paint that subsequently fades or falls off and/or the use of prohibited logos).



For the avoidance of any doubt, there shall be no requirement that the Umpire must first provide a warning to the offending person to remove or cover up a prohibited logo before a breach of this Article can be established.




It shall be a defence to a charge brought under this Article to show that a Player or Player Support Personnel was required by his/her Association to use the offending clothing or equipment.




2.1.2 Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a Match.




Note: Article 2.1.2 includes any action(s) outside the course of normal cricket actions, such as hitting or kicking the wickets and any action(s) which intentionally or negligently results in damage to the advertising board boundary fences, dressing room doors, mirrors, windows and other fixtures and fittings.




2.1.3 Showing dissent at an Umpire's decision during Match.

Note: Article 2.1.3 includes: (a) excessive, obvious disappointment with an Umpire's decision; (b) an obvious delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket; (c) shaking the head; (d) pointing or looking at the inside edge when given out lbw; (e) pointing to the pad or rubbing the shoulder when caught behind; (f) snatching the cap from the Umpire; (g) requesting a referral to the TV Umpire; and (h) arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the Umpire about his decision.

It shall not be a defence to any charge brought under this Article to show that the Umpire might have, or in fact did, get any decision wrong.




2.1.4 Using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during a Match.

Note: Article 2.1.4 includes: (a) excessively audible or repetitious swearing; and (b) obscene gestures which are not directed at another person, such as swearing in frustration at one's own poor play or fortune. In addition, this offence is not intended to penalise trivial behaviour.

When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the Umpire shall be required to take into account the context of the particular situation and whether the words or gesture are likely to: (a) be regarded as obscene; (b) give offence; or (c) insult another person.

This offence is also intended to cover any use of language or gestures that are likely to offend another person on the basis of their race, religion, gender, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin




2.1.5 Excessive appealing during an Match.

Note: For the purposes of Article 2.1.5,'excessive' shall include: (a) repeated appealing of the same decision/ appeal; (b) repeated appealing of different decisions/ appeals when the bowler/fielder knows the batter is not out with the intention of placing the Umpire under pressure; or (c) celebrating a dismissal before the decision has been given. It is not intended to prevent loud or enthusiastic appealing.




2.1.6 Pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion by a bowler or other member of the fielding side upon the dismissal of a batsman during a Match.




2.1.7 Public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in a Match or any Player, Player Support Personnel, Match official or team participating in any Match, irrespective of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made.

Note: Without limitation, Players and Player Support Personnel will breach Article 2.1.7 if they publicly criticise the Match officials or denigrate a Player or team against which they have played in relation to incidents which occurred in a Match. When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the context within which the comments have been made and the gravity of the offending comments must be taken into account.




2.1.8 Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the above offences, conduct that either: (a) is contrary to the spirit of the game; or (b) brings the game into disrepute.

Note: Article 2.1.8 is intended to be a 'catch-all' provision to cover all types of conduct of a minor nature that is not (and, because of its nature, cannot be)adequately covered by the specific offences set out elsewhere in the Code of Conduct.

By way of example, Article 2.1.8(a) may (depending upon the seriousness and context of the breach) prohibit the following: (a) the use of an illegal bat or illegal wicket-keeping gloves; (b) deliberate time wasting; (c)cheating during a Match, including deliberate attempts to mislead the Umpire; (d) failure to comply with the provisions of clause 7.1of the BCCI Multiday Match, One Day Match and Twenty20 Match Playing Conditions; and (e) any conduct which is considered 'unfair play' under Law 42 of the Laws of Cricket.

By way of example, Article 2.1.8(b) may (depending upon the seriousness and context of the breach) prohibit the following: (a) public acts of misconduct; (b) unruly public behaviour; and (c) inappropriate comments which are detrimental to the interests of the game.




2.2 Level 2 Offences:

2.2.1 Showing serious dissent at an Umpire's decision during a Match.

Note: Dissent, including the examples given in Article 2.1.3 above will be classified as 'serious' when the conduct contains an element of anger or abuse which is directed at the Umpire or the Umpire's decision or where there is excessive delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket or where there is persistent rereference to the incident over time.

It shall not be a defence to any charge brought under this Article to show that the Umpire might have, or in fact did, get any decision wrong.




2.2.2 Breach of the BCCI's Clothing and Equipment Regulations during a Match relating to a 'Commercial Logo' or a 'Player's Bat Logo' as those terms are defined.

Note: Article 2.2.2 only relates to breaches of the regulations regarding 'Commercial Logos' and 'Player's Bat Logos'.

For the avoidance of any doubt, there shall be no requirement that the Umpire must first provide a warning to the offending person to remove or cover up a prohibited logo before a breach of this Article can be established.

It shall be a defence to a charge brought under this Article to show that a Player or Player Support Personnel is required by his/her Association to use the offending clothing or equipment.




2.2.3 Serious public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in a Match or any Player, Player Support Personnel, Match official or team participating in any Match, irrespective of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made.

Note: Without limitation, Players and Player Support Personnel will breach this rule if they publicly criticise the Match officials or denigrate a Player or team against which they have played in relation to incidents which occurred in a Match. When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the context within which the comments have been made and the gravity of the offending comments must be taken into account.




2.2.4 Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between Players in the course of play during a Match.

Note: Without limitation, Players will breach this regulation if they deliberately walk or run into or shoulder another Player.




2.2.5 Charging or advancing towards the Umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing during a Match.




2.2.6 Deliberate and malicious distraction or obstruction on the field of play during a Match.

Note: This offence supplements and does not replace BCCI Multiday Match, One Day Match and Twenty20 Match Playing Conditions clauses 42.2 and 42.3.




2.2.7 Throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during a Match.

Note: This regulation will not prohibit a fielder or bowler from returning the ball to the stumps in the normal fashion.




2.2.8 Using language or gesture(s) that is seriously obscene, seriously offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person during a Match.

Note: It is acknowledged that there will be verbal exchanges between Players in the course of play. Rather than seeking to eliminate these exchanges entirely, Umpires will be required to report such conduct that falls below an acceptable standard. This offence is not intended to penalise trivial behaviour.

When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the Umpire shall be required to take into account the context of the particular situation and whether the words or gesture are likely to: (a) be regarded as seriously obscene; or (b) give serious offence; or (c) seriously insult another person.

This offence is also intended to cover any use of language or gestures that are likely to offend another person on the basis of their race ,religion, gender, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin.




2.2.9 Changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3 of the Laws of Cricket, as modified by BCCI Multiday Match, One Day Match and Twenty20 Match Playing Conditions clause 42.1.

Note: This offence supplements and does not replace BCCI Multiday Match, ODI and Twenty20 International Match Playing Conditions clause 42.1

Any action(s) likely to alter the condition of the ball which were not specifically permitted under Law 42.3(a) may be regarded as 'unfair'. The following actions shall not be permitted (this list of actions is not exhaustive but included for illustrative purposes): (a) deliberately throwing the ball into the ground for the purpose of roughening it up; (b) applying any artificial substance to the ball; and applying any non-artificial substance for any purpose other than to polish the ball; (c) lifting or otherwise interfering with any of the seams of the ball; (d) scratching the surface of the ball with finger or thumb nails or any implement.

The Umpires shall use their judgment to apply the principle that actions taken to maintain or enhance the condition of the ball, provided no artificial substances are used, shall be permitted. Any actions taken with the purpose of damaging the condition of the ball or accelerating the deterioration of the condition of the ball shall not be permitted.




2.2.10 Any attempt to manipulate a Match for inappropriate strategic or tactical reasons.

Note: Article 2.2.10 is intended to prevent the manipulation of Matches for inappropriate strategic or tactical reasons (such as when a team deliberately loses a league Match in order to affect the standings of other teams in that tournament). It might also apply to the inappropriate manipulation of a net run rate or accumulation of bonus points or otherwise.

Article 2.2.10 is not intended to cover any corrupt or fraudulent acts (including any use of inside information and/or related betting activity).Such conduct is prohibited and must be dealt with according to the procedures set out by BCCI.

The Team Captain of any team guilty of such conduct shall be held responsible (and subject to sanction) for any offence found to have been committed under this Article.




2.2.11Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the above offences, conduct that (a) is contrary to the spirit of the game; or (b) brings the game into disrepute.

Note: Article 2.2.11 is intended to be a 'catch-all' provision to cover all types of conduct of a serious nature that is not (and, because of its nature, cannot be) adequately covered by the specific offences set out elsewhere in the Code of Conduct.

See guidance notes to Article 2.1.8 for examples of conduct that may (depending upon the seriousness and context of the breach) be prohibited under Article 2.2.11.




2.3 Level 3 Offences:

2.3.1 Intimidation of an Umpire or Match Referee whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a Match.

Note: Includes appealing in an aggressive or threatening manner.

2.3.2 Threat of assault on another Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during a Match.

2.3.3 Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the above offences, conduct that either: (a) is contrary to the spirit of the game; or (b) brings the game into disrepute. Note: Article 2.3.3 is intended to be a 'catch-all' provision to cover all types of conduct of a very serious nature that is not (and, because of its nature, cannot be) adequately covered by the specific offences set out elsewhere in the Code of Conduct.

See guidance notes to Article 2.1.8 for examples of conduct that may (depending upon the seriousness and context of the breach) be prohibited under Article 2.3.3.




2.4 Level 4 Offences:

2.4.1 Threat of assault on an Umpire or Match Referee during a Match.

2.4.2 Physical assault of another Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during a Match.

2.4.3 Any act of violence on the field of play during a Match.

2.4.4 Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the above offences, conduct that either:(a) is contrary to the spirit of the game; or (b) brings the game into disrepute.

Note: Article 2.4.4 is intended to be a 'catch-all' provision to cover all types of conduct of an overwhelmingly serious nature that is not (and, because of its nature, cannot be) adequately covered by the specific offences set out elsewhere in the Code of Conduct.

See guidance notes to Article 2.1.8 for examples of conduct that may(depending upon the seriousness and context of the breach) be prohibited under Article 2.4.4.




2.5 Minimum Over Rate Offences:

Failure by a fielding team participating in a Match to meet the Minimum Over Rate requirements contained in Appendix 2 constitutes an offence under this Code of Conduct by the relevant Team Captain and each of the Players in that fielding team according to the following:

2.5.1 where the actual over rate in any Multiday Match is up to (and including) five overs short of the Minimum Over Rate, or, in any One Day Match, Twenty20 Match up to (and including) two overs short of the Minimum Over Rate, such an offence shall be considered a 'Minor Over Rate Offence'.

2.5.2 where the actual over rate in any Multiday Match is more than five overs short of the Minimum Over Rate, or, in any One Day Match, Twenty20 International Match, is more than two overs short of the Minimum Over Rate, such an offence shall be considered a 'Serious Over Rate Offence'.

Note: Subjective intent on behalf of the Team Captain to waste time is not required. It is sufficient to establish that the Minimum Over Rate was not met. To avoid liability under this offence the Team Captain would need to establish, on the balance of probabilities, that the shortfall was due to factors beyond his control and that the time allowances permitted by the Match officials in calculating the required over rate were not sufficient. The presence or absence of subjective intent and the extent of the shortfall shall be relevant in relation to the issue of penalty.

Where a Minimum Over Rate Offence may have occurred, see Appendix 2 for the reporting process, disciplinary process and sanctions that are to be applied.

3.1 Any one of the following individuals can report an alleged offence under the Code of Conduct (other than Minimum Over Rate Offences - as to which see Appendix 2) by lodging a report in the manner described in Article 3.2, below (a 'Report'):

3.1.1 an Umpire that officiated in the Match during which the alleged offence was committed, including the 3rd umpire and fourth umpire if appointed;

3.1.2 the Team Manager or CEO of either of the two Associations whose representative teams participated in the Match during, or in relation to which, the alleged offence was committed;

3.1.3 the BCCI's Chief Administrative Officer; or

3.1.4 provided it is a Level 3 Offence or Level 4 Offence that is alleged to have been committed, the Match Referee that was appointed to officiate in the Match during which the alleged offence was committed. (For the avoidance of any doubt, the Match Referee is not entitled to lodge a Report in relation to an alleged Level 1 Offence or Level 2 Offence).

3.2 All Reports must be completed on Form 'Rep 1' (or such other form as may be made available for such purpose by the BCCI from time to time). All Reports must be signed and dated by the person lodging the Report.

3.2.1 Where the Report is lodged by any of the individuals described in Articles 3.1.1 or 3.1.2 in relation to:

3.2.1.1 a Level 1 Offence or a Level 2 Offence that is alleged to have been committed on the field of play during a Match, then the Report must be lodged with the Match Referee (or, where, for logistical reasons, it is impractical to lodge with the Match Referee, the BCC's CAO) within one hours of the close of the day's play in the relevant Match; or

3.2.1.2 a Level 1 Offence or a Level 2 Offence that is alleged to have been committed at any time or place other than on the field of play then the Report must be lodged with the Match Referee (or, where, for logistical reasons, it is impractical to lodge with the Match Referee, the BCCI's CAO) as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event, no later than twenty-four(24) hours after: (a) the commission of the alleged offence; or (b) the alleged offence was brought to the attention of the person lodging the Report; or

3.2.1.3 a level 3 offence or a Level 4 offence that is alleged to have been committed, then the Report must be lodged with the BCCI's CAO as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event no later than seven (7) days after either: (a) the commission of the alleged offence; or (b) the alleged offence was brought to the attention of the person lodging the Report.

3.2.2 Where the Report is lodged by the individual described in Article 3.1.3 in relation to

3.2.2.1 a Level 1 Offence or a Level 2 Offence that is alleged to have been committed at any time or place (whether on the field of play or otherwise), then the Report must be lodged with the Match Referee (or, where, for logistical reasons, it is impractical to lodge with Match Referee, the BCCI's CAO) within five (5) days of the commission of the alleged offence; or

3.2.2.2 a Level 3 offence or a Level 4 Offence that is alleged to have been committed at any time or place (whether on the field of play or otherwise), then the Report must be lodged with the BCCI's Hon. Sect. as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event no later than seven (7) days after: (a) the commission of the alleged offence; or (b) the alleged offence was brought to the attention of the BCCI's CAO.

3.2.3 Where the Report is lodged by the individual described in Article 3.1.4 in relation to a Level 3 Offence or a Level 4 Offence that is alleged to have been committed, then the Report must be lodged with the BCCI's CAO as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event no later than seven (7) days after: (a) the commission of the alleged offence; or (b) the alleged offence was brought to the attention of the Match Referee.

3.3 Where it is alleged that a Player or Player Support Personnel has committed more than one offence under the Code of Conduct during, or in relation to a Match (whether arising out of the same set of facts or otherwise), then a separate Report should be filed in accordance with this Article 3 for each of the offences that are alleged to have been committed.

Level1 Offences Level 2 Offencesand Minimum Over Rate Offences:

4.1 Where a Match Referee receives a Report lodged under Articles 3.2.1.1,3.2.1.2, 3.2.2.1 or Article 3.2 of Appendix 2 (in the case of Minimum Over Rate Offences), he/she must promptly provide a copy of the Report, together with a completed Form 'Not 1', (such documents comprising the 'Notice of Charge'), to the following individuals:

4.1.1 the Player or Player Support Personnel named in the Report, or, where appropriate in the case of an offence under either Article 2.2.9 (changing the condition of the ball), 2.2.10 (manipulating an Match), or 2.5.1/2.5.2 (failure to meet the Minimum Over Rate), the relevant Team Captain; and

4.1.2 the Team Manager of the relevant Player or Player Support Personnel named in the Report.

4.2 The Notice of Charge shall specify that the Player or Player Support Personnel shall have the following three options:

4.2.1 he/she may admit the offence charged and accede to the proposed sanction specified in the Notice of Charge (which sanction shall be strictly at the Match Referee's discretion, but at all times within the appropriate range for the level of offence). In such circumstances, and provided that such admission has been received by the Match Referee prior to the commencement of the hearing at the time/place specified in the Notice of Charge, the hearing before the Match Referee shall not be required and no further action shall be taken, save that the BCCI shall promptly issue a public statement confirming: (a) the commission of an offence under the Code of Conduct; and (b) the imposition of the applicable sanction specified in the Notice of Charge (no press briefing should be held but only a written statement by the host Association may be issued); or

4.2.2 he/she may admit the offence charged but dispute the proposed sanction specified in the Notice of Charge, in which case the matter shall proceed to a hearing in accordance with Article 5.1; or

4.2.3 he/she may deny the offence charged, in which case the matter shall proceed to a hearing in accordance with Article 5.1.

Level 3 Offences and Level 4 Offences:

4.3 Where the BCCI's CAO receives a Report lodged under Articles 3.2.1.3, 3.2.2.2 or 3.2.3, he/she must promptly conduct a review to determine whether the Player or Player Support Personnel named in the Report has a case to answer.

4.4 If the initial review of the Report reveals that there is no case to answer, then the BCCI shall notify the person who filed the Report of that fact, and the matter shall not proceed any further.

4.5 If the initial review of the Report reveals that there is a case to answer, then the BCCI shall promptly provide a copy of the Report, together with a completed Form 'Not 1' (such documents comprising the 'Notice of Charge')to the following individuals:

4.5.1 the Player or Player Support Personnel named in the Report; and

4.5.2 the Team Manager of the relevant Player or Player Support Personnel named in the Report; and

4.5.3 the CEO of the Association to which the relevant Player or Player Support Personnel is affiliated.

4.6 The Notice of Charge shall specify that the Player or Player Support Personnel shall have the following options:

4.6.1 he/she may admit the offence charged and accede to the proposed sanction specified in the Notice of Charge (which sanction shall be strictly at the BCCI's discretion, but at all times within the appropriate range for the level of offence). In such circumstances, and provided that such admission has been received by the BCCI's CAO prior to the commencement of the hearing at the time/place specified in the Notice of Charge, the hearing before the Disciplinary Committee shall not be required and no further action shall be taken, save that the BCCI shall promptly issue a public statement confirming: (a) the commission of an offence under the Code of Conduct; and (b) the imposition of the applicable sanction specified in the Notice of Charge; or

4.6.2 he/she may admit the offence charged but dispute the proposed sanction specified in the Notice of Charge, in which case the matter shall proceed to a hearing in accordance with Article 5.2; or

4.6.3 he/she may deny the offence charged, in which case the matter shall proceed to a hearing in accordance with Article 5.2.

Level 1 Offences, Level 2 Offences and Minimum Over Rate Offences:

5.1 Where a matter proceeds to a hearing under Article 4.2.2 or 4.2.3, then the case shall be referred to the Match Referee for adjudication in accordance with the following procedure:

5.1.1 Subject to the discretion of the Match Referee to order otherwise for good cause shown by the Player or Player Support Personnel, the hearing will take place at the time specified in the Notice of Charge (which should, in the absence of exceptional circumstances), be no more than two hours after the receipt by the Player or Player Support Personnel of the Notice of Charge). For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Article

5.1.1 prevents a hearing from being convened at a time during which the Match in relation to which the alleged offence took place, remains in progress.

5.1.2 The procedure followed at the hearing shall be at the discretion of the Match Referee, provided that the hearing is conducted in a manner which offers the Player or Player Support Personnel a fair and reasonable opportunity to present evidence (including the right to call and to question witnesses ), address the Match Referee and present his/her case.

5.1.3 Unless exceptional circumstances apply, each of the following individuals must attend any hearing before the Match Referee: (a) the Player or Player Support Personnel who has been charged with the alleged offence; and (b) the person who lodged the Report (or, in the case of the BCCI, CAO or, his/her representative/nominee).Without prejudice to the Player or Player Support Personnel's ability to call and to question such witnesses as may be necessary and/ or to be represented by such other person of his/her own choosing pursuant to Article 5.1.4, one of the Team Captain, Team Vice-Captain or Team Manager of the team that the Player or Player Support Personnel represents may also attend such a hearing to provide additional support and assistance to the Player or Player Support Personnel.

5.1.4 Each of the individuals described in Article 5.1.3(a) and (b) shall have the right (at his/her or its own expense) to be represented at the hearing before the Match Referee by such representative of his/her or its own choosing.

5.1.5 The non-attendance of any Player or Player Support Personnel or his/her representative at the hearing, shall not prevent the Match Referee from proceeding with the hearing in his/her absence and issuing a ruling in relation to the offence charged.

5.1.6 At the end of a hearing, where the Match Referee considers that further evidence is necessary or further time is required to consider the evidence that has been presented, he/she shall adjourn the hearing for an appropriate period of time and make such directions as may be necessary.

5.1.7 Alternatively, at the end of a hearing:

5.1.7.1 brought under Article 4.2.2: a) as soon as possible after the conclusion of the hearing(and, in any event, no later than twenty-forty(24) hours thereafter), the Match Referee will confirm the Player or Player Support Personnel's admission that he/she had committed a Code of Conduct offence and announce his/her decision in writing, with reasons, setting out: (a) what sanctions, if any, are to be imposed (including any fine and/or period of suspension); (b) the date that any period of suspension shall come into force and effect; and (c) any rights of appeal that may exist pursuant to Article 8.

5.1.7.2 brought under Article 4.2.3 (or where the Player or Player Support Personnel has failed to respond in a timely fashion to the Notice of Charge):

a) the Match Referee shall adjourn the hearing (for a period of no less than ten (10) minutes and no more than twenty-four (24) hours), following which he/she will reconvene the hearing and verbally announce his/her finding as to whether a Code of Conduct offence has been committed;

b) where the Match Referee determines that a Code of Conduct offence has been committed, the Player or Player Support Personnel may request a short adjournment (of no more than thirty (30) minutes) to prepare any submissions that he/she might wish to make in relation to the appropriate sanction that ought to be applied; and c) as soon as possible after the conclusion of the hearing (and, in any event, no later than twenty-forty (24) hours thereafter), the Match Referee will announce his/her decision in writing, with reasons, setting out: (a) the finding as to whether a Code of Conduct offence had been committed; (b) what sanctions, if any, are to be imposed (including any fine and/or period of suspension); (c) the date that any period of suspension shall come into force and effect; and (d) any rights of appeal that may exist pursuant to Article 8.

5.1.8 The Match Referee shall have the discretion to announce the substance of his/her decision prior to the issue of the written reasoned decision referred to in Article 5.1.7.

5.1.9 A copy of the written reasoned decision will be provided to the Player or Player Support Personnel, the umpires, the CEO of the Player or Player Support Personnel's Association, and the BCC's CAO.

5.1.10 Subject only to the rights of appeal under Article 8, the Match Referee's decision shall be the full, final and complete disposition of the matter and will be binding on all parties.

Level 3 Offences and Level 4 Offences:

5.2 Where a matter proceeds to a hearing under Article 4.6.2 or 4.6.3, then the case shall be referred to a Disciplinary Committee for adjudication in accordance with the following procedure:

5.2.1 As soon as reasonably possible, the BCCI shall appoint one member from the BCCI's Disciplinary committee to sit to hear the case sitting alone. The appointed member shall be independent of the parties, have had no prior involvement with the.

5.2.2 The Disciplinary Committee shall convene a preliminary hearing (if required) with the BCCI and its legal representatives, together with the Player or Player Support Personnel and his/her legal representatives (if any). The preliminary hearing should take place as soon as possible by telephone conference call unless the Disciplinary Committee determines otherwise. The non-participation, without compelling justification, of the Player or Player Support Personnel or his/her representative at the preliminary hearing, after proper notice of the preliminary hearing has been provided, shall not prevent the Disciplinary Committee from proceeding with the preliminary hearing, whether or not any written submissions are made on behalf of the Player or Player Support Personnel.

5.2.3 The purpose of the preliminary hearing shall be to allow the Disciplinary Committee to address any preliminary issues that need to be resolved prior to the hearing date. In particular (but without limitation), the Disciplinary Committee shall:

5.2.3.1 determine the date(s) upon which the full hearing shall be held. Save in exceptional circumstances or where the parties otherwise agree, the full hearing should take place no longer than fourteen (14) days after the receipt by the Player or Player Support Personnel of the Notice of Charge.

5.2.3.2 establish dates reasonably in advance of the date of the full hearing by which:

a) the BCCI shall submit an opening brief with argument on all issues that the BCCI wishes to raise at the hearing and a list of the witnesses that the BCCI intends to call at the hearing (and a summary of the subject areas of the witness's anticipated testimony), and enclosing copies of the exhibits that the BCCI intends to introduce at the hearing;

b) the Player or Player Support Personnel shall submit an answering brief, addressing the BCCI's arguments and setting out argument on the issues that he/she wishes to raise at the hearing, as well as a list of the witnesses that he/she intends to call at the hearing (and a summary of the subject areas of the witness's anticipated testimony),and enclosing copies of the exhibits that he she intends to introduce at the hearing; and

c) the BCCI may (at its discretion) submit a reply brief responding to the answer brief of the Player or Player Support Personnel and listing any rebuttal witnesses that the BCCI intends to call at the hearing (and a summary of the subject areas of the witness's anticipated testimony), and enclosing copies of any other exhibits that the BCCI intends to introduce at the hearing; and

5.2.3.3 make such order as the Disciplinary Committee shall deem appropriate in relation to the production of relevant documents and/ or other materials between the parties.

5.2.4 Subject to the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee to order otherwise for good cause shown by either party, or if otherwise agreed between the parties, hearings before the Disciplinary Committee shall take place in the BCCI headquarters.

5.2.5 The procedure followed at the hearing shall be at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee, provided that the hearing is conducted in a manner which offers the Player or Player Support Personnel a fair and reasonable opportunity to present evidence (including the right to call and to question witnesses by telephone or video-conference where available where necessary), address the Disciplinary Committee and present his/ her case.

5.2.6 Where video evidence of the alleged offence is available at the hearing before the Disciplinary Committee, then it may be relied upon by any party, provided that all other parties shall have the right to make such representations in relation to it that they may see fit.

5.2.7 Unless exceptional circumstances apply, each of the following individuals must attend any hearing before the Disciplinary Committee:

(a) the Player or Player Support Personnel who has been charged with the alleged offence; (b) the person who lodged the Report (or, in the case of the BCCI, CAO or his/her representative/ nominee); and (c) a representative of the BCCI's Legal Department. Where any such individual has a compelling justification for his/her non-attendance, then they shall be given the opportunity to participate in the hearing before the Disciplinary Committee by telephone or video conference (if available).Without prejudice to the Player or Player Support Personnel's ability to call and to question such witnesses as may be necessary and/or to be represented by such other person of his/her own choosing pursuant to Article 5.2.8, one of the Team Captain, Team Vice-Captain or Team Manager of the team that the Player or Player Support Personnel represents may also attend such hearing to provide additional support and assistance to the Player or Player Support Personnel.

5.2.8 Each of the individuals described in Article 5.2.7 (a) and (b) shall have the right (at his/her or its own expense) to be represented at the hearing before the Disciplinary Committee by such representative of his/ her or its own choosing.

5.2.9 The non-attendance of the Player or Player Support Personnel or his/her representative at the hearing, after proper notice of the hearing has been provided, shall not prevent the Disciplinary Committee from proceeding with the hearing in his/her absence, whether or not any written submissions are made on his/her behalf.

5.2.10 At the end of a hearing, where the Disciplinary Committee considers that further evidence is necessary or further time is required to consider the evidence that has been presented, he/she shall adjourn the hearing for an appropriate period of time and make such directions as may be necessary.

5.2.11 Alternatively, at the end of a hearing:

5.2.11.1 brought under Article 4.6.2:

a) as soon as possible after the conclusion of the hearing(and, in any event, no later than forty-eight (48) hours thereafter), the Disciplinary Committee will confirm the Player or Player Support Personnel's admission that he/she had committed a Code of Conduct offence and announce his/her decision in writing, with reasons setting out: (a) what sanctions, if any, are to be imposed(including any fine and/or period of suspension); (b)the date that any period of suspension shall come into force and effect; and (c) any rights of appeal that may exist pursuant to Article 8.

5.2.11.2 brought under Article 4.6.3 (or where the Player or Player Support Personnel has failed to respond in a timely fashion to the Notice of Charge):

a) the Disciplinary Committee shall adjourn the hearing (for a period of no less than ten (10) minutes and no more than twentyfour (24) hours), following which he/she will reconvene the hearing and verbally announce his/her finding as to whether a Code of Conduct offence has been committed;

b) where the Disciplinary Committee determines that a Code of Conduct offence has been committed, the Player or Player Support Personnel may request a short adjournment (of no more than thirty (30) minutes) to prepare any submissions that he/she might wish to make in relation to the appropriate sanction that ought to be applied; and

c) as soon as possible after the conclusion of the hearing(and, in any event, no later than forty-eight (48) hours thereafter), the Disciplinary Committee will announce his/her decision in writing, with reasons, setting out: (a) the finding as to whether a Code of Conduct offence had been committed; (b) what sanctions, if any, are to be imposed (including any fine and/or period of suspension); (c) the date that any period of suspension shall come into force and effect; and (d) any rights of appeal that may exist pursuant to Article 8.

5.2.12 The Disciplinary Committee shall have the discretion to announce the substance of his/her decision prior to the issue of the written reasoned decision referred to in Article 5.2.11.

5.2.13 A copy of the written reasoned decision will be provided to the Player or Player Support Personnel, the CEO of the Player or Player Support Personnel's Association, and the BCCI's CAO.

5.2.14 Subject only to the rights of appeal under Article 8, the Disciplinary Committee's decision shall be the full, final and complete disposition of the matter and will be binding on all parties.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF PROCEDURE

5.3 Where a Report is filed by more than one of the individuals described in Article 3.2 in relation to the same alleged offence under the Code of Conduct, then the Player or Player Support Personnel alleged to have committed the offence will only be served with one Notice of Charge in accordance with the procedures set out in Article 4. However, all persons who filed a Report (or, in the case of the BCCI's CAO his/her representative/nominee) in relation to the alleged offence are required to attend the hearing before the Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee unless there is a compelling justification for his/her non-attendance, in which case they shall be given the opportunity to participate in the hearing by telephone or video conference (if available).

5.4 Where two or more Players or Player Support Personnel are alleged to have committed offences under the Code of Conduct, they may both be dealt with at the same hearing where the proceedings arise out of the same incident or set of facts, or where there is a clear link between separate incidents, provided that the Code of Conduct permits the alleged offences to be determined by the same adjudicator. For the avoidance of doubt:

5.4.1 any number of Level 1 Offences and/or Level 2 Offences can all be determined by a Match Referee at the same hearing; and

5.4.2 any number of Level 3 Offences and/or Level 4 Offences can all be determined by a Disciplinary Committee at the same hearing; but

5.4.3 a Level 1 Offence or Level 2 Offence cannot be determined at the same hearing as a Level 3 Offence or a Level 4 Offence (and vice versa), and separate proceedings should therefore be issued in relation to each alleged offence.

5.5 Where a Player or Player Support Personnel is alleged to have committed more than one breach of the Code of Conduct during, or in relation to the same Match, then all of the alleged offences may be dealt with at the same hearing, provided that the Code of Conduct permits the offences that are alleged to have been committed to be determined by the same adjudicator. For the avoidance of doubt:

5.5.1 any number of Level 1 Offences and/or Level 2 Offences can all be determined by a Match Referee at the same hearing; and

5.5.2 any number of Level 3 Offences and/or Level 4 Offences can all be determined by a Disciplinary Committee at the same hearing; but

5.5.3 a Level 1 Offence or Level 2 Offence cannot be determined at the same hearing as a Level 3 Offence or a Level 4 Offence, and separate proceedings should therefore be issued in relation to each alleged offence.

5.6 Any failure or refusal by any Player or Player Support Personnel to provide assistance to a Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee in connection with any charge made pursuant to this Code of Conduct may constitute a separate offence (depending upon the seriousness and context of such failure or refusal) under Articles 2.1.8, 2.2.11, 2.3.3 or 2.4.4 of the Code of Conduct.

5.7 Where a Match Referee is, or becomes unwilling or unable to hear a case (for example, where he/she finds him/herself in a position of conflict), then the BCCI's CAO shall have the discretion to appoint such other referee as the BCCI deems to be appropriate in all the circumstances.

5.8 Where a Disciplinary Committee is, or becomes unwilling or unable to hear a case (for example, where he/she finds him/ herself in a position of conflict), then the BCCI's CAO shall have the discretion to appoint another member (who shall have had no prior involvement with the case) as a replacement to the Disciplinary Committee and all of the remaining procedure will apply accordingly.

5.9 The BCCI may issue a public announcement regarding any decision of the Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee made under the Code of Conduct, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the decision has been communicated to the parties. The public announcement of the decision may include details of the offences committed under the Code of Conduct and of the sanctions imposed, if any. Until such time as a public announcement is published all parties and participants in the proceedings shall treat such proceedings as strictly confidential.

6.1 Unless otherwise described herein, the standard of proof in all cases brought under the Code of Conduct shall be whether the Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee is comfortably satisfied, bearing in mind the seriousness of the allegation that is made, that the alleged offence has been committed. This standard of proof in all cases shall be determined on a sliding scale from, at a minimum, a mere balance of probability (for the least serious offences) up to proof beyond a reasonable doubt (for the most serious offences).

6.2 The Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee shall not be bound by judicial rules governing the admissibility of evidence. Instead, facts relating to an offence committed under the Code of Conduct may be established by any reliable means, including admissions.

6.3 The Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee may draw an inference adverse to the Player or Player Support Personnel who is asserted to have committed an offence under the Code of Conduct based on his/her refusal, without compelling justification, after a request made in a reasonable time in advance of the hearing, to appear at the hearing (either in person or telephonically as directed by the Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee) and/or to answer any relevant questions.

7.1 Where a Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee determines that an offence under the Code of Conduct has been committed, he/she will be required to impose an appropriate sanction on the Player or Player support Personal.

7.2 In order to determine the sanction that is to be imposed in each case the Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee must first consider whether the Player or Player Support Personnel has previously been found guilty of an offence under the same Article of the Code of Conduct (or any predecessor regulations that may have applied) within a period of twelve months prior to the date on which the alleged offence took place.

7.3 Once the Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee has established whether this is a repeat offence within the relevant twelve month period, then he/she shall go on to take into account any other factors that he/she deems relevant and appropriate to the mitigation or aggravation of the nature of the Code of Conduct offence (including, without limitation, the nature and frequency of any previous offences under the Code cordance with the fohat the appropriate sanction(s) should be:

*Note: In all cases marked with a *,the maximum 'actual' period of suspension shall be no more than one (1) year, irrespective of the number and/or the practical application of any Suspension Points that might be imposed.

7.4 Where a Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee imposes a period of suspension on any Player or Player Support Personnel, then, unless such period is for a fixed period of time (for example, one year) then, any such period of suspension shall be referenced by Suspension Points, which shall carry the following weightings:

7.4.1 a Match of at least three days in duration is given a weighting of two (2) Suspension Points;

7.4.2 a One Day Match or Twenty20Match is given a weighting of one (1) Suspension Point; and

7.5. Where Suspension Points are imposed against a Player or Player Support Personnel, then such Suspension Points will be applied in accordance with the following principles:

7.5.1 the Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee shall have regard to the Player's or Player Support Personnel's participation in the various formats of Matches over the previous two years in order to determine (to the best of his/her ability) which of the forthcoming Matches the Player is most likely to participate in or the Player Support Personnel is most likely to assist the participation of a Player in;

7.5.2 where necessary, the Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee shall be entitled to consult with the BCCI in order to make a determination as to which of the forthcoming Matches the Player is most likely to participate in or the Player Support Personnel is most likely to assist the participation of a Player in;

7.5.3 in so far as is reasonably possible, the Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee shall apply the Suspension Points to the subsequent Matches in which the Player is most likely to participate in or the Player Support Personnel is most likely to assist the participation of a Player in, on a chronological basis immediately following the announcement of the decision;

7.5.4 where a Player or Player Support Personnel has his/ her Suspension Points applied to a Match that is subsequently cancelled, postponed or otherwise abandoned prior to the actual day on which it is scheduled to take place, then such Suspension Points must be reallocated to the next subsequent Matches in which the Player is most likely to participate in or the Player Support Personnel is most likely to assist the participation of a Player in. Where a Match is cancelled, postponed or otherwise abandoned at any time on the actual day on which it is scheduled to take place, then the Suspension Points will remain allocated to that Match, irrespective of such cancellation, postponement or abandonment.

Examples of the Application of Suspension Points:

1 Where a Player's playing history suggests that he/she is most likely to represent his Association in Multi day Matches only, then the Suspension Points shall be applied to his/her future participation in Multi day Matches only, so that six (6) Suspension Points would be applied to the three (3) Multi day Matches immediately following the announcement of the decision, notwithstanding that the Association might be participating in intervening One Day Matches and/or Twenty20 Matches.

2 Where a Player's playing history suggests that he/she is likely to be selected to represent his Association in all formats of Matches, then the Suspension Points shall be applied to his/ her future participation in all Matches in the sequential order in which such Matches take place immediately following the announcement of the decision. The examples set out below would apply to the following chronological list of potential playing fixtures:

. Code of Conduct decision
. One-Day Match - weighting 1 Suspension Point('MatchA')
. One-Day Match - weighting 1 Suspension Point('Match B')
. Multi day Match - weighting 2 Suspension Point ('MatchC')
. Multi day Match weighting 2 Suspension Point ('MatchD')
. Twenty20 Match - weighting 1 Suspension Point('MatchE')
. Twenty20 Match - weighting 1 Suspension Point('MatchF')

a) One (1) Suspension Point would be applied to Match A;

b) Two (2) Suspension Points would be applied to Matches A and B;

c) Three (3) Suspension Points would be applied to Matches A, B and E;

d) Four (4) Suspension Point would be applied to Match A, Band C;

e) Five (5) Suspension Points would be applied to Matches A, B, C and E;

f) Six (6) Suspension Points would be applied to Matches A, B, C and D;

g) Seven (7) Suspension Points would be applied to Matches A, B, C, D and E;

h) Eight (8) Suspension Points would be applied to Matches A, B, C, D, E and F.

7.6 For the avoidance of any doubt:

7.6.1 the Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee will have no jurisdiction to adjust, reverse or amend the results of any Match;

7.6.2 where a Player or Player Support Personnel is found guilty of committing two separate Code of Conduct offences that do not relate to the same incident or set of circumstances arising during a Match and sanctioned separately for each offence then any sanctions should run cumulatively (and not concurrently);

7.6.3 where a Player or Player Support Personnel is found guilty of committing two Code of Conduct offences in relation to the same incident or set of circumstances arising during a Match and sanctioned separately, then any sanctions imposed should run concurrently (and not cumulatively);

7.6.4 nothing in this Code of Conduct shall permit plea bargaining in relation to any alleged offence committed under this Code of Conduct;

7.6.5 where the Match Referee or Disciplinary Committee finds a Player or Player Support Personnel not guilty of the offence allegedly committed under the Code of Conduct, then it remains open to him/her, at his/her discretion, to find the Player or Player Support Personnel guilty of an offence of a lower level than that with which he/she has been charged. For example where a Player or Player Support Personnel has been charged with (but been found not guilty of) the Level 2 Offence of 'showing serious dissent at an Umpire's decision' (Article 2.2.1), the Match Referee may, instead, find the Player or Player Support Personnel guilty of the Level 1 Offence of 'showing dissent at an Umpire's decision' (Article 2.1.3) and impose an appropriate sanction; and

7.6.6 where a fine and/or costs award is imposed against a Player or Player Support Personnel, then such fine and/ or costs award must be paid: (a) by the Player or Player Support Personnel (and not any other third party, including an Association); (b) to the Player or Player Support Personnel's Association (for onward transmission to the BCCI) within one calendar month of receipt of the decision imposing the fine. However, the BCCI will consider any request from any Player or Player Support Personnel to make the payment of such fines and/or costs over a prolonged period of time on the grounds of financial hardship. Should any fine and/ or costs award (or agreed part-payment or installment thereof) not be paid to the relevant Association within such deadline or by the time of the next agreed payment date, the Player or Player Support Personnel may not play, coach or otherwise participate or be involved in any capacity in any Match until such payment has been satisfied in full.

7.7 Where a Player or Player Support Personnel has had Suspension Points imposed against him/her or has been suspended for a fixed period of time, he/she may not play, coach or otherwise participate or be involved in any capacity in the Match(es) which: (a) are covered by the application of his/her Suspension Points as determined in accordance with Article 7.5; or (b) take place during the fixed period of his/her suspension.

7.8 Once any Suspension Points or fixed period of suspension has expired, the Player or Player Support Personnel will automatically become re-eligible to participate (in the case of a Player) or assist the participation (in the case of a Player Support Personnel) in Matches provided that he/she has paid, in full, all amounts forfeited under the Code of Conduct, including any fines, compensatory awards or award of costs that may have been imposed against him/her.

8.1 Appeals from decisions in relation to a first Level1 Offence

8.1.1 Decisions made under the Code of Conduct by a Match Referee in relation to a first Level 1 Offence shall be non-appealable and shall remain the full and final decision in relation to the matter.

8.2 Appeals from decisions in relation to: (a) a second, third or fourth Level1 Offence; (b) a Level2 Offence; or (c) a Minimum Over Rate Offence

8.2.1 Decisions made under the Code of Conduct by a Match Referee in relation to: (a) a second, third or fourth Level 1 Offence within the applicable twelve month period; or (b) a Level 2 Offence; or (c) a Minimum Over Rate Offence, may be challenged solely by appeal as set out in this Article 8.2. Such decision shall remain in effect while under appeal unless any Disciplinary Committee properly convened to hear the appeal orders otherwise.

8.2.2 The only parties who may appeal a decision of this nature shall be: (a) the Player or Player Support Personnel found guilty of the offence or, where appropriate in the case of an offence under either Article 2.2.9 (changing the condition of the ball), 2.2.10 (manipulation of an Match), or 2.5.1/2.5.2 (failure to meet the Minimum Over Rate), the relevant Team Captain; and (b) the BCCI's CAO (or his/her designee).

8.2.3 Any notice to appeal under this Article must be lodged with the BCCI CAO within 48 hours of receipt of the written decision of the Match Referee. In all cases, a copy of such notice will also be provided to the CEO of the Association to which the Player or Player Support Personnel is affiliated. Thereafter, the following will apply:

8.2.3.1 On receipt of a notice to appeal: (a) the BCCI's CAO will appoint a member of Disciplinary Committee who will hear the appeal sitting alone; and (b) the Match Referee will provide a written statement to the BCCI's CAO setting out any relevant facts (to be copied to the Player or Player Support Personnel).

8.2.3.2 The provisions of Articles 5.1.2 to 5.1.9, applicable to proceedings before the Match Referee, shall apply mutatis mutandis (ie with changes deemed to have been made as required to reflect the different context) to appeal hearings before the Disciplinary Committee.

8.2.3.3 The Disciplinary Committee shall hear and determine all issues arising from any matter which is appealed pursuant to this Article on a de novo basis, i.e. he/she shall hear the matter over again, from the beginning, without being bound in any way by the decision being appealed. For the avoidance of doubt, the Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to increase or decrease, amend or otherwise substitute a new decision on the appropriateness (or otherwise) of the sanction imposed at first instance, provided that any new sanction must be within the permitted range of sanctions set out in the table in Article 7.3 (or, where applicable, Article 4 of Appendix 2).

8.2.3.4 Appeal hearings pursuant to this Article 8.2 should be completed expeditiously. Save where all parties agree or fairness requires otherwise, the appeal hearing shall be commenced no later than seven (7) days after the appointment of the member of the Disciplinary Committee.

8.2.3.5 The Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to order some or all of the costs of the appeal proceedings (including the costs of holding the hearing, any accommodation costs, the legal and/or travel of the Disciplinary Committee and/or any other relevant parties) to be paid by the appealing party if he/she considers that such party has acted spuriously, frivolously or otherwise in bad faith.

8.2.3.6 Any decision made by the Disciplinary Committee under this Article 8.2, shall be the full, final and complete disposition of the matter and will be binding on all parties.

8.3 Appeals from decisions in relation to a Level 3 Offence or Level 4 Offence

8.3.1 Decisions made under the Code of Conduct by a Disciplinary Committee in relation to a Level 3 Offence or Level 4 Offence may be challenged solely by appeal as set out in this Article 8.3. Such decision shall remain in effect while under appeal unless any properly convened Appeal Panel orders otherwise.

8.3.2 The only parties who may appeal a decision made in relation to a Level 3 Offence or Level 4 Offence shall be: (a) the Player or Player Support Personnel found guilty of the offence; and (b) the BCCI's CAO.

8.3.3 Any notice to appeal under this Article must be lodged with the BCCI's CAO within seven (7) days of receipt of the written decision of the Disciplinary Committee. In all cases, a copy of such notice will also be provided to the CEO of the Association to which the Player or Player Support Personnel is affiliated. Thereafter, the following will apply:

8.3.3.1 On receipt of a notice to appeal: (a) the BCCI's CAO will appoint three member Disciplinary Committee to sit as the Appeal Panel to hear the appeal; and (b) the Disciplinary Committee will provide a written statement to the BCCI's CAO setting our any relevant facts (to be copied to the Player or Player Support Personnel).

8.3.3.2 The provisions of Articles 5.2.2 to 5.2.13, applicable to proceedings before the Disciplinary Committee, shall apply mutatis mutandis (i.e. with changes deemed to have been made as required to reflect the different context) to appeal hearings before the Appeal Panel.

8.3.3.3 The Appeal Panel shall hear and determine all issues arising from any matter which is appealed to it pursuant to this Article on a de novo basis, i.e. it shall hear the matter over again, from the beginning, without being bound in any way by the decision being appealed. For the avoidance of doubt, the Appeal Panel shall have the power to increase or decrease, amend or otherwise substitute a new decision on the appropriateness(or otherwise) of the sanction imposed at first instance provided that any new sanction must be within the permitted range of sanctions set out in the table in Article 7.3.

8.3.3.4 Appeal hearings pursuant to this Article 8.3 should be completed expeditiously. Save where all parties agree or fairness requires otherwise, the appeal hearing shall be commenced no later than thirty (30) days after the appointment of the Appeal Panel.

8.3.3.5 The Appeal Panel shall have the power to order some or all of the costs of the appeal proceedings (including the costs of holding the hearing, the legal and/or travel accommodation costs of the Appeal Panel and/or any other relevant parties) to be paid by the appealing party if it considers that such party has acted spuriously, frivolously or otherwise in bad faith.

8.3.3.6 Any decision made by the Appeal Panel under this Article 8.3, shall be the full, final and complete disposition of the matter and will be binding on all parties.

8.4 No appeal in relation to an accepted sanction

8.4.1 For the avoidance of doubt, where a Player or Player Support Personnel admits the offence charged and accedes to the proposed sanction specified in the Notice of Charge in accordance with the procedure described in Articles 4.2.1 or 4.6.1, the Player or Player Support Personnel waives his/her right to any appeal against the imposition of such a sanction.

9.1 Any hearing results or other final adjudications under the Code of Conduct shall be recognised and respected by the BCCI and its Associations automatically upon receipt of notice of the same without the need for any further formality. Each of the BCCI and its Associations shall take all steps legally available to it to enforce and give effect to such decisions.

9.2 It shall be a condition of membership of the BCCI that all Associations shall comply with the Code of Conduct.

10.1 The Code of Conduct may be amended from time to time by BCCI, with such amendments coming into effect on the date specified by the BCCI.

10.2 The headings used for the various Articles of the Code of Conduct are for the purpose of guidance only and shall not be deemed to be part of the substance of the Code of Conduct or to inform or affect in any way the language of the provisions to which they refer.

10.3 The Code of Conduct shall come into full force and effect on 1 October 2012 (the 'effective Date'). It shall not apply retrospectively.

10.4 If any Article or provision of this Code of Conduct is held invalid, unenforceable or illegal for any reason, the Code of Conduct shall remain otherwise in full force apart from such Article or provision which shall be deemed deleted insofar as it is invalid, unenforceable or illegal.

10.5 The Code of Conduct is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with Indian law. Strictly without prejudice to the arbitration provisions of Articles 5 and 8 of the Code of Conduct, disputes relating to the Code of Conduct shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Indian courts.

Appeal Panel. A panel of three persons appointed by the BCCI to perform the functions assigned to the Appeal Panel under the Code of Conduct.

Effective Date. As defined in Article 10.3.

BCCI. The Board of Control for Cricket in India or its designee.

BCCI's CAO. The person appointed by the BCCI from time to time to act as the BCCI's Chief Administrative Officer (or his/her designee).

BCCI's Clothing and Equipment Regulations. The BCCI's Clothing and Equipment Regulations, in force from time to time (if any).

BCCI Code of Conduct for Umpires and Referees. The BCCI's Code of Conduct for Umpires and Referees, in force from time to time (if any).

Match. Each of the following (in men's and women's cricket): (a) any Multi day Match, One Day or Twenty20 Match played between representative teams of two Associations affiliated to the BCCI.; or (b) any other Match organised or sanctioned by the BCCI from time to time to which the BCCI deems it appropriate that the Code of Conduct should apply.

Disciplinary Committee. The independent Committee appointed by the BCCI to perform the functions assigned to the Disciplinary Committee under the Code of Conduct.

Level 1 Offence. Any of the offences described in Articles 2.1.1 - 2.1.8.

Level 2 Offence. Any of the offences described in Articles 2.2.1 - 2.2.11.

Level 3 Offence. Any of the offences described in Articles 2.3.1 - 2.3.3.

Level 4 Offence. Any of the offences described in Articles 2.4.1 - 2.4.4.

Match Fee. The designated match fee (which is to be used for the purposes of calculating sanctions in accordance with Article 7) as as decided by BCCI at the beginning of the season.

For the avoidance of doubt, the designated Match Fee to be applied for the purposes of an offence committed by a Player Support Personnel shall be the same as that which would be applied to a Player from the same Association participating in the same Match.

Match Referee. The independent person appointed by the BCCI as the official match referee for a designated match

Minimum Over Rate. As defined in Appendix 2 of this Code of Conduct.

Minimum Over Rate Offence. Any of the offences described in Articles 2.5.1 - 2.5.2.

Minor Over Rate Offence. As defined in Article 2.5.1. Association. A national or regional entity which is a member of or is recognised by the BCCI as the entity governing the sport of cricket in a region.

Notice of Charge. As defined in Article 4.1 and/or Article 4.5.

Player. Any cricketer who is selected in any playing or squad that is chosen to represent an Association in any Match or series of Matches.

Player Support Personnel. Any coach, trainer, manager, selector, team official, doctor, physiotherapist or any other person employed by, representing or otherwise affiliated to a playing team or squad that is chosen to represent an Association in any Match or series of Matches.

Report. As defined in Article 3.1.

Serious Over Rate Offence. As defined in Article 2.5.2.

Suspension Points. The weighting points used to determine the period of suspension imposed against any Player or Player Support Personnel pursuant to Article 7 of the Code of Conduct.

Team Captain or Vice Captain. The official captain or vice captain of any team participating in a Match.

Team Manager. The official manager of any team participating in a Match.

Umpire. Any umpire (including any third or other umpires) appointed to officiate in a Match.

1. MINIMUM OVER RATE

The minimum over rate to be achieved by the fielding team in all Matches shall be as set out in the playing conditions to the relevant Match (the 'Minimum Over Rate').

2. CALCULATING THE ACTUAL OVER RATE

2.1 The actual over rate will be calculated at the end of each Match by those Umpires appointed to officiate in such Match. In the case of Multi day Matches, the actual over rate will be the average rate which is achieved by the fielding team across both of the batting team's innings.

2.2 In calculating the actual over rate for a Match, allowances will be given for the actual time lost as a result of any of the following:

2.2.1 treatment given to a Player by an authorised medical personnel on the field of play;

2.2.2 a Player being required to leave the field as a result of a serious injury;

2.2.3 all third Umpire referrals and consultations;

2.2.4 time wasting by the batting side (which may, in addition constitute a separate offence pursuant to any of Articles 2.1.8,2.2.11, 2.3.3 or 2.4.4 depending upon the context and seriousness of the incident); and

2.2.5 all other circumstance that are beyond the control of the fielding team.

2.3 In addition, the following time allowances will only be given in: 2.3.1 Multi day Matches:

a) 2 minutes per wicket taken, provided that such wicket results in the subsequent batsmen immediately commencing his innings. For the avoidance of any doubt, no time allowance will be given for the final wicket of an innings or where a wicket falls immediately prior to any interval; or interruption and

b) 4 minutes per drinks break taken (one per session).

2.3.2 Twenty20 Matches:

a) 1 minute for every 3 full overs that an innings is reduced by as a result of any delay and/or interruption in play.

b) an additional allowance of 1 minute will be given for each of the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th wickets taken during an innings.

2.4 Further, where the batting team:

2.4.1 in a Multi day Match is bowled out or declares it's inning closed in less than 50 overs in any particular innings, no account shall be taken of the actual over rate in that innings when calculating the actual over rate at the end of such Match.

2.4.2 in an One Day Match or Twenty20 match is bowled out within the time determined for that innings pursuant to the BCCI's Playing Conditions, no sanction may be imposed in respect of a breach of the Minimum Over Rate.

3. PROCEDURE

3.1 Where the actual over rate is calculated by the Umpires as being equal to or in excess of the Minimum Over Rate, no further action shall be taken.

3.2 Where the actual over rate is calculated by the Umpires as being less than the Minimum Over Rate, the following shall apply:

3.2.1 only the Umpires that officiated in the Match during which the alleged offence was committed can report such an offence to the Match Referee, and such Report, which must be completed on Form 'Rep 1' must be lodged with the Match Referee (or, where, for logistical reasons, it is impractical to lodge with the Match Referee, the BCCI's CAO) within 1 hour of the close of the day's play in the relevant Matc.;

3.2.2 thereafter, the Match Referee shall promptly consult with the Umpires and shall be entitled, after such consultation, to make such amendments to the actual over rate calculation as he/she deems appropriate in the circumstances to reflect those circumstances that are beyond the control of the fielding team (including, but not limited to those set out in Article 2 of this Appendix 2).

3.2.3 where the Match Referee confirms that the Minimum Over Rate has not been achieved by the fielding side in any Match, this shall constitute an offence under either Article 2.5.1 or 2.5.2 of the Code of Conduct and the Match Referee will promptly issue a Notice of Charge in accordance with Article 4.1 of the Code of Conduct (with the Team Captain being charged on behalf of the Players in the fielding side as well as him/ herself) and the matter will be thereafter be adjudicated by the Match Referee in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 5.

4. APPLICABLE SANCTIONS FOR A MINIMUM OVER RATE OFFENCE

4.1 The principles set out in Article 7 (regarding sanctions) shall be applied in full except that:

4.1.1 in order to determine the sanction that is to be imposed in each case, the Match Referee must first consider whether the Player has previously been found guilty of the same offence under the Code of Conduct (or any predecessor regulations that may have applied) in the same format of the game within a period of twelve months prior to the date on which the alleged offence took place.

4.1.2 once the Match Referee has established whether this is a repeat offence in the same format of the game within the relevant twelve month period, then:

4.1.2.1 in the case of a Minor Over Rate Offence, (and subject to the qualifying guidance note below), he/she shall apply the mandatory sanctions that are set out in the table at Article 4.2, below; or

4.1.2.2 in the case of a Serious Over Rate Offence, he/she shall take into account any other factors that he/she deems relevant and appropriate to the mitigation or aggravation of the nature of the Serious Over Rate Offence before determining ,in accordance with the table at Article 4.2, below, what the appropriate sanction(s) should be.

4.2 For the purposes of Minimum Over Rate Offences only, the table at Article 7.3 of the Code of Conduct shall be replaced with the following:

THE UMPIRES HAVE ALSO BEEN EMPOWERED TO IMPOSE PENALTY ON THE BOWLERS, FIELDERS AND BATSMEN IF THEY ARE FOUND GUILTY OF GROSS MISBEHAVIOR OR OF USING OFFENSIVE COMMENTS ON THE FIELD.

. In event of the bowler being found guilty of gross misbehavior or for using offensive comments on the field such as:

. Swearing at the umpires, batsman or any other player or spectator.

. Showing public decent at the umpire's decisions.

. Manhandling an umpire, a batsman, a spectator.

. Kicking the stumps and indulging in any ungentlemanly and unsporting conduct which might bring the game into disrepute. The umpire concerned shall call and signal dead ball and suspend the bowler from further bowling in that innings and allow another bowler to complete the over from the same end provided this bowler shall not bowl two overs or part here of consecutively in that innings.

. If fielder other than the bowler indulges in such acts as stated above, the umpire shall direct the captain of the fielding side to send the concerned fielder out of the field for that session and no substitute shall be allowed in his absence.

In addition to taking action as stated in preceding paragraphs, the umpire shall also report the occurrence to the captain of the batting side as soon as players leave the field for an interval. The umpire shall also report to the executive authority of the fielding side and to governing body responsible for the conduct of the match.

Also, report to the referee who may take further action against the concerned bowler or player if deemed fit.

In the event of the batsman being found guilty of gross misbehavior or using offensive comments on the field such as :

. Swearing at the umpires, bowlers or any player or a spectator.

. Showing public dissent at the umpire's decision.

. Manhandling the umpire, the bowler, the fielder or a spectator.

. Kicking the stumps or hitting the stumps with the bat when given out or indulging in any ungentlemanly and unsporting conduct which might bring the game into disrepute.

. The umpire at the bowler's end shall report the occurrence to the executive authority of the batting side and to the governing body responsible for staging the match. Also report to the referee who may take further action against the batsman concerned if deemed fit.

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